Elaine Zylinski

Elaine Zylinski, age 91, of Jenison, was called to her eternal home on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

Elaine retired from General Motors after 30 years as an upholstery sewer. Those skills carried over into her personal life as she was very talented in sewing, knitting, crochet and cross-stitch. She was never afraid to try something new. In her forties, she returned to school and earned her GED. While most people shudder at the thought of standing up in front of a large crowd to speak, Elaine enrolled in a public speaking course upon graduation! She loved puzzles and card games and was very good at both. It was a rare occurrence if you beat her at a card game!

She loved music, and in her late thirties and early forties she learned to play the trumpet. Whenever she listened to her favorite music, you would see her tapping her toes and swaying back-and-forth to the beat of the music.

She was a deeply religious and prayerful woman who was very active in her church. If she wasn’t hosting a prayer Cenacle in her home or praying her Rosary, she might be found in the Adoration Chapel or helping as a sacristan before Mass. She also had great love and empathy for those going through hard times, so she became a Stephen Minister in order to directly help others.

Her life was riddled with many physical ailments and challenges, but she never complained. Despite these challenges, she would always say, “I am truly blessed” and “nobody wants to hear complaining.” 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; siblings, Lawrence Piatek and Eleanor Apel; and grandson, Alexander Nordy. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Joseph (Suzanne) Zylinski, Kathleen (Roger) Nordy, Douglas (Nina) Zylinski; grandchildren, Nicole (Kendall) Grable, Michael Nordy, Charlie (Michelle) Nordy, Aaron (Nicolette) Zylinski, Andrea (Scott) Luecht, Andrew (Kate) Zylinski; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Gary Piatek and Evelyn Kneibel; and best friend, Delores Hula. The family is grateful for the loving care provided by the staff at The Oaks at Jamestown, The Oaks at Byron Center and Interim Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9669 Kraft Ave. SE, Caledonia, with Fr. Michael Cilibraise presiding. The burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Holy Family Catholic Church.